Atlanta City Councilmembers' responses to parking bill of rights

Are you willing to do something in your position to get this bill of rights passed?Yes. (Monday) in City Council, I introduced legislation to adopt the parking bill of rights.

What do you think needs to be done in order for these improvements to happen?For these improvements to occur, we need tighter communication and more accountability from the city's Public Works Department and PARKatlanta. Public Works expects accurate enforcement from PARKatlanta, its agents and its equipment. PARKatlanta relies on clear and accurate signage from Public Works to enforce the city's parking code. Both groups can step up their game when it comes to accountability.

Do you think PARKatlanta is doing a good job with parking in Atlanta?Under the current city contract, parking enforcement is the shared responsibility of two groups, Public Works and PARKatlanta. I don't think parking enforcement is working well in the city of Atlanta.

Alex Wan (District 6)

I would absolutely support the bill of rights. I have been complaining about those items, and it was the main reason why I voted against the parking fine increases earlier this year. While I was not in office when the contract was approved and rolled out, it seems to me that the original scope of work was not adequately thought out and specified by the city, and any time that happens, it makes it incredibly difficult to implement a successful outsourcing effort. Personally, I think the city should take all of the mistakes and complaints that we have learned and design a parking program that makes sense, and not focus so much on the revenue target. Let the income fall where it may, and we'll work the budget implications out from there. I said that during the deliberations earlier this year, but the majority of council did not feel the same way.

Howard Shook (District 7)

Are you willing to do something in your position to get this bill of rights passed?The legislation was introduced at the end of (Monday's) council meeting. It will go first to a committee (Transportation) on which I don't happen to serve. I wouldn't be able to vote on it until they send a recommendation forward to the full council.

What do you think needs to be done in order for these improvements to happen?I believe that a good bit of responsibility may lie within Public Works, as they are responsible for signage, striping and other key matters.

Do you think PARKatlanta is doing a good job with parking in Atlanta?No, and I was one of the few Councilmembers who voted against higher parking fees and penalties as part of this year's budget. I have to ask: Don't we do enough stupid things down here to keep ya'll (sic) busy without feeling that you have to provide your own news content? Is journalist integrity that out of style?

Felicia Moore (District 9)

Are you willing to do something in your position to get this bill of rights passed?The bill of rights outlines common sense expectations that should be in place with the execution of the city's parking program. The Public Works Department is responsible for the day-to-day management and execution of the items listed in the bill of rights. Passing it in legislation will not make it happen. The Transportation Sub-Committee, chaired by Michael Bond, and members of the Transportation Committee have been pressing the Public Works Department on the issues outlined. I will continue to advocate for the administration to address the issues outlined in the bill of rights as well as other enforcement issues.

What do you think needs to be done in order for these improvements to happen?The Department of Public Works needs to ensure that the items outlined, as well as other complaints, are addressed.

Do you think PARKatlanta is doing a good job with parking in Atlanta?PARKatlanta needs to address specific issues related to the consistency of their enforcement and how tickets are being given, as well as properly operating meters. That is why I did not support the increase in fines. Until we get some of these issues resolved, it will continue to cause problems for our visitors and citizens. Again, the Department of Public Works must do a better job of managing the contract. And, as Council, we have to keep asking the questions and holding them accountable.

C.T. Martin (District 10)

Are you willing to do something in your position to get this bill of rights passed?We received the bill of rights at the end of our council meeting and I haven't had a chance to review the information. We need to send this proposal to the city's law department to get a legal position on the matter. I am deeply concerned about the PARKatlanta parking contract. We need the community's input on this matter. I have requested that the administration hire additional staff to do a complaint investigation and I will have more response to this question after further analysis. I see the bill of rights as one of several moves and strategies to work to resolve this problem.

What do you think needs to be done in order for these improvements to happen?My response to this question can only come after reviewing the analysis

Do you think PARKatlanta is doing a good job with parking in Atlanta?I can only give you my opinion and I think all parties still have some more work to do. They need to respect the citizens and their concerns

Michael Bond (Post 1 At-Large)

I fully support the parking bill of rights and co-signed the legislation introduced by Councilmember Hall yesterday. Two of the three main points that are named in the parking bill of rights rest squarely with the Department of Public Works. I made the motion to refer the paper to the Transportation Committee so that a public discussion can be held and the department address these issues.

H. Lamar Willis (Post 3 At-Large)

Are you willing to do something in your position to get this bill of rights passed?I fundamentally have no problem with what is being asked for in the proposed parking bill of rights. However, Council is already on record advocating for the same. I would like to note, however, that each of the points of your parking bill of rights is fairly subjective and needs clearer defining. More specifically, what meters are considered "easy to use"; are the parking spaces that are currently in place not clearly marked? If not, what should the city do differently from what it has already done? And as it relates to clear and understandable signs, again, Council is already on record advocating for the same.

What do you think needs to be done in order for these improvements to happen?Per my previous response, there needs to be some definition around the three points of the proposed parking bill of rights. The only way to address the aforementioned would be to evaluate best practices from around the country. In addition, the city could possibly conduct focus groups to see where there is a consensus as to what constitutes "easy to use meters," "clearly marked parking spaces" and "clear and understandable signs," especially as it relates to what is already being done in the city.

Do you think PARKatlanta is doing a good job with parking in Atlanta?Based on the feedback I have received from constituents, it is clear that PARKatlanta is having significant challenges. The problem is that concerns vary significantly from person to person. In fact, the concern I've heard most is not addressed in your proposed parking bill of rights, and that is that the enforcement of PARKatlanta is overly aggressive.